The Raven Scholar

In a fierce competition to succeed Bersun the Brusque as emperor of Orrun, seven contenders trained at rival monasteries face intense trials inspired by sacred animals, with an eighth to be revealed during the contest. When one contestant is murdered, Neema Kraa must unravel the mystery amidst mounting darker threats, risking everything in her pursuit of justice and perhaps the throne itself. This gripping tale blends political intrigue, danger, and the struggle for power in a richly detailed world.